The first phase of the road construction project between Pritchard and Hoffman’s Bluff has now been completed.
MP Cathy McLeod and Minister of Transportation Todd Stone were on hand to celebrate Friday. The first three kilometres of road between Pritchard and Willow Road, located approximately 40 kilometers east of Kamloops, is now open to the public.
“By investing in this project, we are improving driving conditions, making it safer for residents and travellers along this heavily-used stretch of Highway 1. Our Government is committed to making sure our roads are safe, modern and efficient,” said McLeod.
The cost for the first phase of the project is $19.3 million.
Construction will continue on the remaining section and is scheduled to be completed in fall 2016.
The second phase is expected to cost just over $42 million and will involve straightening and expand the road to four lanes along the 3.1 kilometre stretch of highway.
The federal government is contributing over $26 million to cover the costs through the Building Canada Fund and the provincial government has set aside just under $35 million. The cost for the total project is estimated at $61.6 million.
The project is part of the Highway 1 to Alberta Four-Laning Program, which is expected to create over 3,000 jobs.
“Through B.C. on the Move, our 10-year transportation plan, the Province continues to advance safety and capacity improvements to the Trans-Canada Highway between Kamloops and the Alberta Border. This work will mark the completion of our commitment to expand Highway 1 to four lanes between Pritchard and Hoffman’s Bluff and is a significant part of our goal to increase investment on this corridor to over $1 billion with partners over the next 10 years with planning and design of additional works underway,” said Stone.
Motorists are reminded to obey the speed limit and watch for workers as construction continues.
